Identity Fraud: Métis Most At Risk

Identity Fraud: Métis Most At Risk

As a professional working closely with indigenous communities in Canada, I’ve developed a hypothesis that may seem unconventional, but is worth investigating. I suspect that out of all the indigenous peoples, the Métis might be the ones who experience the most identity fraud. While there are currently no concrete statistics to substantiate this claim, a combination of various factors has led me to this suspicion.

Firstly, the Métis are not a visible ethnogenesis of people. While there are some First Nations individuals or those with status who appear Caucasian, this is more prevalent in the Métis Nation due to our non-reliance on blood quantum for identity. This lack of visible distinction may make it easier for malicious entities to assume a false Métis identity. In looking at the famous case of Carrie Bourassa, we see a pattern emerging of beginning first with Métis and moving towards First Nation identification. Even in the way Bourassa dressed, we see a Métis sash followed by First Nation blankets and hairstyles.

Secondly, the Métis people are inherently more nomadic compared to the First Nation bands. While the latter are typically designated to specific areas due to the presence of reservations, the Métis are spread across the country, making it sometimes harder to maintain a cohesive, verifiable community. After the Métis were swindled out of their 1.4 million acres, they impact splattered all over Canada. Today, you can find Métis all over Canada and the United States.

Lastly, the complex political landscape further complicates matters. For instance, the Acadian claims can provide a veil for those intending to commit identity fraud. Political divisions can often lead to situations where individuals with no legitimate Métis heritage can hide. For instance, if someone is asked why they do not have a Métis Nation Alberta card, they can explain that they are an eastern Métis variant that is not recognized in Alberta. No doubt, they will also have a homemade ‘woodland métis’ card to accompany the claim.

While this is currently just a suspicion, it’s an issue that warrants attention. The potential implications of identity fraud can be far-reaching, affecting everything from access to resources and opportunities, to the preservation of culture and history. It’s vital that we investigate this issue further, and if necessary, take steps to protect the Métis community from identity fraud, as I believe they are the most at risk.